Tomorrow marks the end of my 2-week mental health posting at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) a.k.a the Hougang Chalet. It is, however, nothing like it.
I first entered with limited knowledge about psychiatric patients or even had any idea how a psychiatric ward functions. The only personal encounters I had was with demented, schizophrenic and depressed patients in general wards. That’s a grand total of 3 patients. And of course, not forgetting John Nash whom I’ve read about.
Prior entering the ward, we had a briefing by our clinical instructor and director of nursing about what to expect and the precaution to take. From what was being said, fear began to creep in, I imagined the worst of possible scenarios.
We had an orientation around the entire hospital. It is huge. There are 9 blocks in all and 1 is dedicated for forensic patients, while they are held for psychiatric review or awaiting trial. There are 2 CISCO police, a female and male, at the ground level and a security gate at the entrance. Students are not allowed to enter.
We were divided into groups of 8 or 9 in each ward. I couldn’t wait to finally experience for myself the ‘essence’ of IMH. There had been too much hearsay, too much mystery. It doesn’t help that both of my lecturers and tutors for this module are foreigners from the UK and Thailand, who have little insight into the situation in Singapore.
I was assigned to a 40-bedded male acute ward, which further intensified my fear for justifiable reasons. An acute ward is catered for patients who are brought in by the police or via emergency, with a few walk-in cases. These patients are more volatile and violent, as compared to those in a chronic ward with more stable mental states.
I can never forget the first time we stood outside the dormitory, watching 7 or 8 patients walking towards the closed doors and stood there staring at us. There were 2 small see-through rectangular openings on the doors, and they were all trying to squeeze their faces within each opening to look at us. This picture is etched deep in the recesses of my mind, I was horrified and completely crept out. Never have I been that afraid of anyone.
It was a complete culture shock as we entered the ward. I won’t describe its environment here. It is nothing I imagined. I felt vulnerable being surrounded by 30 odd male psychiatric patients, paranoid that one might attack me just because.
By the way, mental patients are always right. It is our responsibility to be alert and keep safe.
That was Day 1.
The next day, I was more mentally prepared and had gotten over the culture shock. Though still apprehensive and awkward, we initiated conversations with some patients and eventually got acquainted with a majority of them there.
I feel privileged to be able to enter this discreet world, interacting with suicidal, aggressive and anti-social people of Singapore. They are the ones forgotten, rejected and stigmatised by society. They are also the ones who brought so much joy and laughter to me these few days…
Parting would be hard tomorrow.
good post leeny :)
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